Reader Q&A: Dan Pompei's Bears mailbag

The Tribune's Bears columnist fields questions on wide receivers, the draft vs. free agency and more in his weekly mailbag.

February 29, 2012|By Dan Pompei | Chicago Tribune reporter

If the Bears are thinking wide receiver in the draft and both are available, should they take Michael Floyd's size or Kendall Wright's speed? -- Brian, Vernon Hills

Interesting question. Let's forget, for a moment, that Floyd had a faster 40 time at the combine than Wright. We all know Wright was faster in pads on Saturdays last fall. I know the Bears don't have a big wide receiver and the emphasis has been on adding one. But if they want a wide receiver, they should take the player they think is going to be the best wide receiver, regardless of size or speed. Teams can get too caught up in focusing on a specific trait or quality and forget that the only thing that will ultimately matter is who plays the game the best. If Wright is more highly rated by their scouts, there is no way they should pass him up to take a bigger receiver just because they don't have a big receiver. If it's close between the two players, then you can lean toward the player who fits the hole the best. I'm still in the process of researching draft prospects, but from what know at this point it is close between Floyd and Wright.

There are plenty of solid wideouts in this year's free agency and the Bears need one badly. So who do you think fits the Bears' system the best and has the best shot of wearing a Bears jersey next season? -- Sam Rudman, New England

Vincent Jackson is the best wide receiver with an expiring contract, and he would fit the Bears' need perfectly. There remains a school of thought that he will re-sign with the Chargers, though. And if he does become a free agent, there will be multiple suitors for him. It might be more realistic that the Bears end up signing someone like Stevie Johnson or Pierre Garcon.

Is there any way you see Chicago going after Wisconsin's Nick Toon? He is underrated and should be available in the second or even third round. He is big, physical, has speed and is a great blocker. I think he would be a great fit in Chicago. -- Chris Munoz

Toon would be a fine pickup in the second round. He has size (6-2, 215) and good body control. He isn't a burner, but he should develop into a solid NFL receiver. If he had come out last year, as had been rumored, there is a chance he would have gone late in the first round.

Enjoyed your column on the danger of signing free-agent wide receivers. Reminds me of the Vikings signing Bernard Berrian. What happened to him? Seemed like his career was ascending when he left the Bears. -- Justin Fredian

After signing with the Vikings in 2008, Berrian had a career year with 964 receiving yards and an average per catch of 20.1. But that was his last good NFL season. In 2009, the Vikings brought in Brett Favre, and the legendary quarterback never clicked with Berrian. Berrian's production dipped despite the fact that the Vikings' offense became much more explosive and efficient. The following season Berrian had a few injury issues. By 2011, he wasn't the same player, and the Vikings cut him after five games. He has not been picked up by another team. Berrian is 31 now, and the NFL usually isn't too accepting of aging receivers who were speed dependent.

After watching the wide receivers, I was wondering if you would look at production in college or potential in the pros when drafting. I ask because Michael Floyd makes sense but Stephen Hill has off-the-charts numbers and played in a run-oriented offense at Georgia Tech. -- Shaun O'Brien, Wasilla, Ark.

I think you have to take everything into account, but pro potential certainly outweighs college production. There have been many highly productive college players who haven't been worth a lick in the NFL. But if a player has not been productive in college and you think he has NFL talent, you have to have a good answer as to why he did not produce more. Projecting what any player can do at the next level is the key to good drafting. But it often is done incorrectly, because it isn't easy.

As much as I believe the Bears need a No. 1 receiver, if a stud pass rusher was available at 19, which way do you see the Bears leaning? -- George McKeown, Phoenix

Which position the Bears draft in the first round will be dictated by what they do in free agency. If they are able to acquire a premium pass rusher in free agency, they likely will draft a receiver or a player at another position at No. 19. If they sign a big-time receiver in free agency, it's likely they will go defense in round one.

A lot of pre-draft boards have the Bears taking Michael Floyd at No. 19. If Courtney Upshaw fell to that spot, would you take him? -- David Comiskey, Chicago

I would rather use that first-round pick on a defensive end than a wide receiver if all things were equal. The foundation of most great football teams usually is big men. And linemen tend to be safer picks than wide receivers. Upshaw might not be a bad pick, but I think Whitney Mercilus or Nick Perry would be better ones.